We highly recommended that your tour itinerary include the lesser known villages and Inca fortresses of Ollantaytambo and Pisac in the Sacred Valley and extra time in the navel of the Inca universe, Cusco.

The rainy season in the Machu Picchu region begins in November and goes through March. January is the rainest month, and the Inca Trail to is closed during the month of February for repairs, including closing of the Inca Trail this February 1-28, 2018).

Public Holidays in Peru for 2018
January 1: New Year's Day
April 13: Maundy Thursday
April 14: Good Friday
May 1: Labor Day
June 29: St. Peter and St. Paul’s Day
July 28: Independence Day
July 29: Independence Day (recognized)
August 30: Santa Rosa de Lima Festival
October 8: Celebration of the Battle of Angamos
November 1: All Saints’ Day
November 17-19: APEC Public Holiday in Lima & Callao only
December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 25: Christmas Day

CuscoThe buzzing city of Cusco combines modern comforts with traditional Peruvian charm in a delightful colonial city built on the fusion of Spanish and Inca influences.

With a small international airport, this city happens to be the starting point for most Machu Picchu excursions and itineraries. Easy access to the head of the Inca Trail puts you right in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

In Cusco itself, you'll find small cafes, corner diners, great restaurants, and comfortable hotels, all adapted into the Inca-built walls that have endured the test of time.

It's also just a short hike or train ride from the neighboring towns of:

Inca TrailArguably the best way to experience the Sacred Valley - the heart of the ancient Inca Empire - is to do a hike on the legendary Inca Trail. This path cuts through the valleys and over the peaks of some of the most important areas of the Peruvian Andes for the Inca. Your experience culminates with a day of exploration at the renowned fortress ruins of Machu Picchu, including a guided tour that will highlight all of the major buildings and temples that once constituted this promontory.

Several tour options include:

Salcantay- The signature Inca Trail excursion that takes you up the peak of Salcantay to a stunning panoramic view of the Andes before pushing on towards Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu.

Choquequirao: A hike to the "sister city" of Machu Picchu and the Inca "cradle of gold" (as its name translates in Quechua). Accessible only by foot, the community there still preserves Inca customs & traditions.

Cachiccata: A great alternative trail to the Inca Trail that is less crowdeed, but just as breathtaking.

Sacred ValleyThe Sacred Valley was once the heart of the Inca Empire, tucked in the cradle of the Andes. Even today, the vibrant marketplaces, well preserved ruins, and rituals and customs that have endured centuries breathe that age-old Inca spirit in this sacred area.

Ollantaytambo - This town on the Urubamba River was the last Inca sanctuary in their fight against the Spanish and is now home to interesting ruins and a population that has largely indigenous heritage and therefore preserves old Inca customs & traditions even today!

The Inca Trail - A trek on the legendary Inca Trail is a challenging but rewarding way to experience the Peruvian Andes before ultimately arriving to...

Machu Picchu! Considered one of the wonders of the world, this mountaintop fortress above the town of Aguas Calientes is home to the best preserved Inca ruins of the whole empire, with self-guided and expert-guided tours available.

Peru Trip Highlights

Machu Picchu- Want some insider advice? Stay the night in Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes) and rise early to have the ruins to yourself before the crowds arrive late-morning.

Inca Trail- the classic hike takes 4 days, but there are versions from 1-6 days, as well. Along the way, you will trek through the majestic land that was once home to the Inca empire and get to know Peru in a truly privileged way.

Sacred Valley- When the Inca nobles of Cusco wanted to escape from the busy city life, this was the spot. Most visit on rushed day trips, so be sure to stay the night in one of the charming villages so that you can get the most out of this experience.

Manu Biosphere- In our opinion, this is the wildest place in Peru's Amazon. See the largest macaw lick and maybe even giant river otters, among other fascinating biodiversity in this lush corner of the rainforest.

Lima- What was once headquarters for Spain's sprawling colonial empire is now headquarters for a world-renowned culinary scene. Peru's bustling capital city teams with rich history and mouthwatering food.

Peru Travel Videos

Peru Travel FAQ & Tips

Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
Generally speaking, no. The following countries do not require a Peru Tourist Visa to enter: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Switzerland, South Africa, New Zealand, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Australia. If your home country is not on this list, you should check with the Peruvian Embassy in your country for more detailed travel requirements.

Is tipping customary in Peru?
While tipping is not required, it is a good way to show appreciation for excellent service. You can budget $2-$10/day for your guide and $1-3/ day for your driver.

What is the internet access like in Peru?
High speed internet access is available in most hotels and cyber cafes in the major cities. In the rural areas, you are less likely to find an internet café and some boutique hotels do not have internet access either, although most do. Feel free to ask us before booking if Internet access is a priority for you.

Can I use my cell phone while in Peru?
It may be possible to use your cell phone from home while traveling in Peru. First, you must have a GSM phone that has a chip (tri or quad band that uses either the 850 or 1900 MHz band). Check your phone's compatibility here. You then need a plan that allows international roaming or the phone must be unlocked to be able to use a local purchased GSM chip from Claro, Entel or Movistar. Roaming can be extremely expensive, so check with your operator before traveling to confirm your best option.

Do I need power adapters?
Peru has 220 volt, 60 cycle electricity, so devices that are 110 volt may require a converter (check the input voltage on each device). Plugs are usually 2-pronged flat type like in the United States, however there are places that use the 2-rounded prongs as well, in which case a round two-pronged converter would be necessary. Don't forget a 2-prong to 3-prong adaptor if you have 3-prong devices.

What are the toilets like in Peru?
In the bigger cities and the hotels we feature, the toilets are flushable. However, in some of the more remote areas, especially on treks through the Andes, you’ll likely encounter squat toilets as well. You should always have toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you just in case.

What will it cost for a….? (In USD)
Short bus ride: 25 cents.
1 hour of Internet in a cyber café: 75 cents.
Bottle of beer: $1.
Street food/ snack: $1.50
Lunch in a diner per person: $5.00
Dinner in a decent restaurant per person: $8-$12.

Can I drink the water in Peru?
You should not drink the tap water in Peru, however we make sure that there is always safe bottled water available for you. You can use the tap water to shower, wash your hands, and wash dishes with a strong antibacterial soap as long as you let them dry completely before using. We do recommend against brushing your teeth with the tap water.

How will I pay in Peru? Do I need to exchange my money?
Credit cards are generally accepted in restaurants and hotels in main cities like Cusco and Lima. Many travelers prefer to simply take their credit cards along and withdraw money from the ATMs as needed. However, in the Amazon and Andes and other rural areas, you are not likely to find an ATM or stores that accept USD, so you’ll need to make sure to exchange some of your money before departing the city. Most small stalls where you can buy food and souvenirs only accept cash.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before heading to Peru?
You definitely should! We highly recommend buying travel insurance before heading out on your vacation, and we work with TravelGuard Insurance company to provide you with the best deals. They offer fair prices for comprehensive insurance packages. Our Once You’re Booked page has more info.